HOUSTON -- Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins says he wasnt trying to send a message with his brief holdout before reporting to his first practice of training camp on Monday.In his first public comments since the holdout, Hopkins repeatedly pushed questions regarding his contract status toward his agent and the Houston front office, led by general manager Rick Smith.They handle that, Hopkins said of his representatives and the Texans, when asked if he had been told from either side that he would not be receiving a new contract this season. All I do is go out here and play football. I let them do the negotiating.Hopkins, who is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, did not report to the first practice of Houstons training camp on Sunday. That absence earned him a $40,000 fine. By the afternoon, Hopkins said in a statement to ESPN that he would be returning to the team, adding that he was disappointed that the Texans had elected not to enter into contract negotiations.I wasnt trying to send a message or anything like that, Hopkins said after Monday mornings practice. I was doing what I felt like was best for me and my family.By reporting to practice before Wednesday, Hopkins will now be eligible to collect his $445,004 roster bonus on Thursday.Despite efforts to downplay Hopkins contract status and focus on football, the spectacle of his situation was evident throughout Mondays practice. After his media session concluded, Hopkins went to sign autographs for fans in attendance at NRG Park -- and a chant of Pay the Man! broke out.Hopkins, who had 111 catches, 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago while working with four different quarterbacks, seemed to quickly find a groove with new starter Brock Osweiler. The pair hooked up for multiple touchdowns in seven-on-seven drills at Mondays practice.It feels great [to be back], Hopkins said. I play football, that is what I love doing. I love my teammates, coaches and this organization.I just have to keep working, he said, alluding to questions regarding his contract. Everything will work itself out. All Ive got to do is come out here and prove what Im worth. Im not rushing it. Itll come one day.Because the Texans picked up the fifth-year option on Hopkins contract in May, he effectively has two seasons remaining on his current deal. Smith said Sunday that the teams position was firm that it would not negotiate with Hopkins this season, adding Monday that he was excited and happy to see Hopkins report to camp.Head coach Bill OBrien had largely stayed out of the fray, commenting Sunday that he was solely focused on the coaching the guys who were present. On Monday, however, OBrien noted that the teams offense looked significantly improved with Hopkins in the mix.I thought we were a lot better today and a lot more crisp, OBrien said.Anytime you have that presence, that is really good for your team, he said, referring to a question about Hopkins return.Owner Bob McNair said Monday that he was pleased with Hopkins return, adding that the contract would be dealt with at an appropriate time.Im happy that hes back, McNair said in a statement. I think its in his best interest for him to be here. Well deal with his contract at the proper time. We take care of our players, and well take care of him.Hopkins was a first-round pick by Houston in 2013. The Texans extended their first-round picks in 2011 and 2012, J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus, as they entered their fourth seasons.But Smith said Sunday that the team had decided it was not the right time for a revised contract with Hopkins. In the meantime, Hopkins says his focus is exclusively on football and building chemistry with Osweiler and the rest of Houstons revamped offense.From where we started at to where we are now, weve come a long way, Hopkins said. Adrian Colbert Super Bowl Jersey . Speaking Thursday on TSN 1050 Thursday, the Leafs GM also touched on the questions surrounding the teams leadership and the struggles of his big-name free-agent signing. “Its not from lack of effort from the coaching staff. Tevin Coleman Super Bowl Jersey . Their experience showed Tuesday as the No. 10 Badgers blunted a Saint Louis surge to win 63-57 and advance to face West Virginia in Wednesdays finals of the Cancun Challenge. http://www.thesf49ersshoponline.com/Youth-Jerick-McKinnon-49ers-Jersey/ . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. 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The Saints followed with a 21-8 run with Trey Sneeds layup with four minutes to play cut the Wildcats lead to 69-62.ddddddddddddAntonio Wilson hit a 3 with eight seconds to go bringing the Saints to within 77-74 before Lewis made one of two free throws with six seconds left to seal the game.Kashus Lyons led Randall with 29 points and eight boards and Trey Sneed finished with 17 points and eight boards. ' ' '